Conversion Capacity Research Articles

Exploring the Fermentation Potential of Kluyveromyces marxianus NS127 for Single-Cell Protein Production

Kluyveromyces marxianus is a food-grade yeast known for its diverse beneficial traits, making it an attractive candidate for both food and biotechnology applications. This study explores the potential of Kluyveromyces marxianus as a promising alternative protein source for single-cell protein (SCP) production. Various Kluyveromyces strains were isolated and screened from traditional fermented dairy products, with Kluyveromyces marxianus NS127 identified as the most promising strain due to its superior growth characteristics, high SCP yield, and environmental tolerance. Notably, Kluyveromyces marxianus NS127 demonstrated significant substrate conversion capacity with a biomass yield of 0.63 g biomass/g molasses, achieving a dry biomass concentration of 66.64 g/L and a protein yield of 28.37 g/L. The protein extracted from the dry biomass exhibited excellent solubility (62.55%) and emulsification properties (13.15 m2/g) under neutral conditions, alongside high foaming stability (93.70–99.20%) across a broad pH range (3–11). These results underscore the potential of Kluyveromyces marxianus NS127 as a viable alternative protein source and provide a solid theoretical foundation for its industrial application.

Hyaluronan-coated gold nanoshells for enhanced synergistic effect and immunogenic cell response of chemo-photothermal therapy on lung cancer.

Lung cancer (LC) is the predominant cause of cancer-related fatalities globally, with the highest death rates in both genders, primarily attributed to smoking. The non-kinase transmembrane cell surface glycoprotein, CD44, enhances LC cell migration and invasion, leading to drug resistance and an unfavorable prognosis. This research formulated a cisplatin-loaded gold nanoshell (HCP@GNS) integrated with hyaluronan (HCP@GNS@HA) to enhance targeting capability and realize a synergistic effect of chemo-photothermal therapy (chemo-PTT) against LC. The coating of hyaluronic acid (HA) facilitated the uptake of HCP@GNS@HA into CD44-rich cancer cells, maintaining the superior photothermal conversion capacity of HCP@GNS nanoparticles for hyperthermia and photothermal eradication of tumor tissues under near-infrared exposure. As a nanocarrier, HCP@GNS@HA exhibited high biocompatibility and hemocompatibility, showing stronger cytotoxicity than either the free drug or photothermal therapy alone when combined with NIR irradiation, especially at high cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (CDDP) concentrations. The chemo-PTT mediated by HCP@GNS@HA effectively curtailed tumor growth without adverse effects, significantly mobilizing B cells, DC cells, macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and NKT cells in the distal tumor against tumor growth. In conclusion, the developed hyaluronic acid (HA)-coated gold nanoshells could potentially serve as a promising candidate for nanomedicine, tackling both primary and distal LC growth.

Improvement of Nicotiana tabacum L. for low conversion of nicotine to nornicotine and its effect on morphological traits and chemical composition

Nornicotine is a secondary metabolite formed in tobacco leaves by the oxidative N-demethylation (conversion) of nicotine. Its high level is undesirable because this alkaloid is a precursor of N-nitrosonornicotine, which has been shown to have carcinogenic properties. The aim of the study was to assess the nicotine and nornicotine content in four successive generations of ten tobacco cultivars/breeding lines. The possibility of reducing potentially harmful compounds in the cultivars/breeding lines was also determined. The study was conducted as field experiments between the years 2014 and 2018. The alkaloid content in the leaves was determined by the gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method. The systematic assessment of the alkaloid profile of tobacco and eliminating converter plants in four successive generations, particularly within breeding lines characterized by a wide conversion range, made it possible to reduce the nornicotine content and, thus, the potentially carcinogenic compounds in the leaves. Three lines, ZD2, TNX1, and WGLB with a stable conversion rate of ≤3% and low content of nornicotine were obtained. Furthermore, the morphological traits of the isogenic lines ZD2, TNX1 and WGLB, which exhibit markedly different conversion capacity were evaluated. The greenhouse experiment showed that there were significant differences in some morphological traits. The non-converting lines TNX1 and ZD2 produced longer and wider 9th and 15th leaves than the converting analogues. A relationship has been identified between the traits that determine the phenotype of tobacco cultivars/lines and their ability to convert nicotine to nornicotine.

On-Demand Controlled Release Multi-Drugs Delivery System for Spatiotemporally Synergizing Antitumor Immunotherapy.

Although cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) activation combined with programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) axis blockade have emerged as an effective strategy to improve immunotherapeutic potency, it remains challenging to realize the spatiotemporal synergy of these two components. Herein, the study reports an engineered bacterial-based delivery system that can simultaneously promote CTLs infiltration and control PD-L1 binding protein (PD-L1 trap) release on demand at tumor site. The drug release button of this tumor targeting system is the specific temperature, which is accomplished by dual-modified melanin nanoparticles with photothermal conversion capacity on the engineered bacterial. These dual-modified nanoparticles can form in situ reservoir of heat supplier and antitumor immunity activator once arriving at tumor microenvironment (TME). Importantly, the study establishes the personalized administration regimen according to TME changes, and perform local laser irradiation to trigger PD-L1 trap production only in TME when infiltrated CTLs reach the highest level. This work provides a flexible platform for optimizing cancer immunotherapy.

Multifunctional Hydrogel with Photothermal ROS Scavenging and Antibacterial Activity Accelerates Diabetic Wound Healing.

Poor diabetic wound healing poses a critical threat to human health. Excessive oxidative stress and increased susceptibility to bacterial infection are key issues that impede diabetic wound healing. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) have attracted increasing attention because of their unique antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Here, this work designs a near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)/CeO2/polydopamine (PDA) hydrogel with antibacterial and antioxidant effects. The hydrogel exhibits a stable, efficient, and controllable photothermal conversion capacity under NIR stimulation. The hydrogel can be used to construct a local microenvironment conducive to chronic diabetic wound healing. Significant antibacterial effects of the NIR-responsive GelMA/CeO2/PDA hydrogel on both Escherichia coli (E.coli) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are demonstrated by counting colony-forming units (CFUs) and in bacterial live/dead staining experiments. The strong antioxidant activity of hydrogels is demonstrated by measuring the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The effect of the NIR-responsive GelMA/CeO2/PDA hydrogel in terms of promoting diabetic wound healing is validated in full-thickness cutaneous wounds of diabetic rat models. Additionally, this work describes the mechanism by which the NIR-responsive GelMA/CeO2/PDA hydrogel promotes diabetic wound healing; the hydrogel inhibits the interleukin (IL)-17 signaling pathway. This NIR-responsive, multifunctional hydrogel dressing provides a targeted approach to diabetic wound healing.

Scalable Fabrication of Light-Responsive Superhydrophobic Composite Phase Change Materials via Bionic-Engineered Wood for Solar–Thermal Energy Management

The growing demand for sustainable energy storage solutions has underscored the importance of phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy management. However, traditional PCMs are always inherently constrained by issues such as leakage, poor thermal conductivity, and lack of solar energy conversion capacity. Herein, a multifunctional composite phase change material (CPCM) is developed using a balsa-derived morphology genetic scaffold, engineered via bionic catechol surface chemistry. The scaffold undergoes selective delignification, followed by a simple, room-temperature polydopamine (PDA) modification to deposit Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and graft octadecyl chains, resulting in a superhydrophobic hierarchical structure. This superhydrophobicity plays a critical role in preventing PCM leakage and enhancing environmental adaptability, ensuring long-term stability under diverse conditions. Encapsulating stearic acid (SA) as the PCM, the CPCM exhibits exceptional stability, achieving a high latent heat of 175.5 J g−1 and an energy storage efficiency of 87.7%. In addition, the thermal conductivity of the CPCM is significantly enhanced along the longitudinal direction, a 2.1-fold increase compared to pure SA, due to the integration of Ag NPs and the unidirectional wood architecture. This synergy also drives efficient photothermal conversion via π-π stacking interactions of PDA and the surface plasmon effects of Ag NPs, enabling rapid solar-to-thermal energy conversion. Moreover, the CPCM demonstrates remarkable water resistance, self-cleaning ability, and long-term thermal reliability, retaining its functionality through 100 heating–cooling cycles. This multifunctional balsa-based CPCM represents a breakthrough in integrating phase-change behavior with advanced environmental adaptability, offering promising applications in solar–thermal energy systems.

Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of the photochemical properties and photothermal conversion capacities of Mo2CTx-MXene@Fuc nanohybrids

Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of the photochemical properties and photothermal conversion capacities of Mo2CTx-MXene@Fuc nanohybrids

Potential of Streptomyces rochei G-6 for Biocontrol of Cucumber Wilt Disease and Growth Enhancement.

Cucumber wilt disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum (FOC), is a major threat to cucumber production, especially in greenhouses. This study used a fermentation product derived from a new strain of Streptomyces rochei (G-6) to investigate the potential for biocontrol of cucumber wilt disease and the effect on promoting cucumber growth. In the first experiment, the inhibitory effect of S. rochei G-6 fermentation product (SGFP) on FOC growth was evaluated, then the effect of SGFP on wilt incidence and severity, as well as cucumber growth, antioxidant system, and soil nutrient conversion capacity were investigated. The results showed that SGFP inhibited FOC growth by 85.3% in the antimicrobial experiment. In the potting experiment, the incidence rate in the FOC group reached 88.7%, but it was only 56.0% in the SGFP1 group and 64.7% in the SGFP2 group, indicating the efficient inhibitory effect of SGFP on cucumber wilt, with the biocontrol effect of SGFP1 being higher than that of SGFP2. In addition, the disease index decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in both SGFP treatments, which was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the SGFP1 group than in the SGFP2 group, indicating that pre-treatment was better than post-treatment in reducing the disease severity. In addition, SGFP promoted the growth of cucumber seedlings, as indicated by indicators related to the growth of aboveground and underground parts. Furthermore, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) in the cucumber seedlings increased after SGFP treatment and the malondialdehyde level was decreased, indicating a reduction in oxidative stress. SGFP also improved the soil nutrient conversion capacity by increasing the activities of urease, phosphatase, and sucrase, which may enhance nutrient uptake by cucumber seedling. The findings of this study suggest that SGFP is an effective biocontrol agent against cucumber wilt and also promotes cucumber growth by regulating the antioxidant system and soil environment, and its application is a promising solution to reduce wilt incidence in cucumber production.

High-Toughness Epoxy-Based Composites with a Bioinspired Three-Dimensional Interconnected Skeleton for Photothermal Conversion Applications.

Advanced epoxy (EP)-based composites, retaining excellent physical and mechanical properties, are in demand in many high-end devices, such as fan blades of aeroengines. However, the irreconcilable conflict between stiffness and toughness within an EP often leads to catastrophic brittle fracture. Herein, inspired by the medulla skeleton of wing feathers of Milvus migrans, bioinspired EP-based composites (BECs) were obtained via integrating functionalized three-dimensional interconnected skeleton into a brittle EP. The BEC's fracture toughness is enhanced by 111.43%. Significantly, the maximum fracture toughness (KJC) of the BEC is 3.5 times greater than that of the EP. Moreover, under 100 mW/cm2 irradiation, the BEC can be heated from room temperature to 90 °C in 5 min, exhibiting excellent photothermal conversion capacity. The BEC expands the possible applications of conventional EP-based composites in engineering materials and energy management fields. The proposed bioinspired strategy provides a new avenue to design novel EP-based composites with strong mechanical properties and multifunction integration.

Redistribution of Electron Density for Promoting CO2 Conversion Capacity.

There is a need to design substrate-supported catalysts for the heterogeneous fields, especially with large porosity, which can facilitate mass transport. Herein, aiming at enhancing the performance of CO2 fixation, a hollow carbon sphere-supported catalyst of FeNPs/HCS (FeNPs, Fe nanoparticles; HCS, hollow carbon sphere) is facilely designed and fabricated. Excitingly, the experimental and calculation results reveal that FeNPs/HCS displays an ultrahigh activity with almost complete conversions in CO2 cycloaddition, surpassing the performance of FeNPs/CS (CS, carbon sphere); this demonstrates that the HCS plays a key role, which may be attributed to the hollow structure tuning the electron density and enhancing the enrichment of the substrate and CO2, consequently lowering the barrier associated with mass transfer. The work not only provides a novel strategy to construct an efficient catalyst but also proposes, for the first time, an electron redistribution tactic to influence the catalytic process for CO2 cycloaddition.

Continuous Hydrolysis of Nile Tilapia Skin Collagen using an Enzymatic Membrane Reactor

The continuous enzymatic membrane reactor (EMR) was developed for producing Angiotensin-I Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides from Nile tilapia skin collagen. The productive condition of EMR and peptide property were studied. The results showed that protein conversion and EMR capacity were remarkably affected by collagen concentration and enzyme to substrate ratio while ACE-inhibitory activity was influenced by only enzyme to substrate ratio. In addition, the proper operating condition of ACE-Inhibitory peptides produced by EMR were Alcalase to substrate concentration ratio of 0.08 at 50 °C, pH 8.0 and permeate flow rate of 0.4 ml min-1. It was evident that the EMR was an effective means for producing small peptides (&lt; 1000 Da) with ACE-inhibitory activity. The permeate fractions containing peptides with molecular weight &lt;1000 Da were homogeneous and also showed relatively high ACE-inhibitory activity.

An experimental study on flow induced motion and energy harvesting of cylinders with different cross sections

It has been known that the cross-sectional shape of a column oscillator significantly influences its vibrational characteristics and energy conversion capacity, and can alter the nature of flow-excited vibration (FIV). Whether the addition of appendages to oscillators with different cross-sectional shapes enhances energy conversion capacity remains uncertain. In this study, the vibration characteristics and energy capture capabilities of an elastically supported oscillator with a semicircular appendage, suitable for low-speed seafloor current environments, are investigated. Experiments were conducted at zero degrees incidence for Reynolds numbers ranging from 5.041 × 10³ to 7.562 × 104, resulting in turbulent wake conditions. The hydrodynamic properties of the oscillators were evaluated through statistical analysis, Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD), and vortex core identification of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) fields. The energy capture capability of the oscillator was assessed through statistical analysis of its vibration displacement, frequency, and amplitude. The study's results indicate that an oscillator with symmetric sharp attachments and without vortex reattachment is favorable for galloping with self-excitation. Under equivalent conditions, the Circular-T-shaped oscillator demonstrates superior energy conversion capacity compared to existing models, with the galloping branch being the most efficient for energy conversion; the peak efficiency is 24.5% (Ur = 14.5). This study provides some baseline data and optimization solutions for flow-induced motion power generation.

The Synergistic Effect of Pore Architect and Reducibility in Ceria-Promoted Ni Molecular Sieve for Methane Dry Reforming

Methane and carbon dioxide, the primary contributors to global warming, are now at critical levels, threatening the extinction of numerous organisms on our planet. In this regard, dry reforming of methane reactions have gained considerable attention because of the conversion capacity of CH4 and CO2 into synthetic/energy-important syngas (H2 and CO). Herein, a molecular sieve (CBV3024E; SiO2/Al2O3 = 30) with ZSM-8-type pore architect, is utilized as the support for the active site of Ni and Ce promoters. Catalysts are characterized by surface area and porosity, X-ray diffraction study, Raman and infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry analysis, and temperature-programmed reduction/desorption techniques. A total of 2 wt.% ceria is added over 5Ni/CBV3024E to induce the optimum connectivity of aluminum in the silicate framework. NiO residing in these porous cages are mostly under “prominent interaction with support” which is reduced easily into metallic Ni as the active sites for DRM reactions. The active sites over 5Ni2Ce/CBV3024E remain stable during the DRM reaction and achieve ~58% H2 yield after 300 min TOS at 42,000 mL/(gcat.h) GHSV and ~70% H2 yield after 20 h at 26,000 mL/(gcat.h) GHSV. The high activity after a longer time stream justifies using CBV3024E molecular sieves as the support and ceria as the promoter for Ni-based catalyst towards the DRM reaction.

Fabrication of highly biocompatible SiO2@Au-BSA nanoconjugates: Towards a promising thermal therapy route

SiO2@Au nanoshells have gained relevance in recent years, especially in biomedical areas, acting as thermal therapy agents due to their high capacity to absorb light and transform it into heat that increases the temperature of the medium. Therefore, it is important to develop methodological strategies to obtain stable, highly specific and biocompatible nanoparticles. In this work, the synthesis of core-shell structures based on SiO2@Au is reported, where the growth a thin shell ⁓ 46 nm on silica platform was possible. Subsequently, optimal conditions were developed for the binding of a bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein using a thiolated linker such as mercaptoethanol. Likewise, the photothermal conversion capacity was investigated using thermal lens spectroscopy. Thermal diffusivity values were reported for the first time during the conjugation process of gold nanoshells, where an increase of 37.5 % was recorded as the conjugation was completed. Finally, the cytotoxic potential of the developed nanoconjugates was evaluated through their hemolytic rate in human red blood cells. The findings suggest high hemocompatibility of the SiO2@Au-BSA complex because they did not cause significant oxidative stress and are classified as nonhemolytic. Therefore, in this work we propose a synthesis route for a thermal agent based on SiO2@Au and bovine serum albumin, highly biocompatible and with high photothermal conversion. The results of this work aim to clarify the safety of using gold nanoshells as a thermal therapy agent.

Dynamic regulation of the photothermal conversion performances of nano-enhanced phase change material composited with ceramic foam subjected to external fields

This study aims to comparatively analyze the melting characteristics of magnetic Fe3O4 nano-enhanced phase change materials (NEPCM) assisted by optimum filling strategies of Al2O3 foam ceramics, ultrasonic field and magnetic field under solar radiation. A visualization experimental platform consisting of an ultrasonic field, a magnetic field, and infrared thermography is constructed and used to evaluate in detail the evolution of the melting front, the temperature distribution, and the heat transfer mechanism under different experimental conditions in a square cavity. The results show that the 1 wt% NEPCM using an ultrasonic field has the highest solar energy conversion efficiency of 39.99 % among the 18 experimental groups. This suggests that the cavitation effect and acoustic flow effect induced by ultrasound with a power of 40 W periodic ultrasonic mechanical vibration improve the uniformity of the distribution of magnetic nanoparticles, resulting in improved heat transfer properties. In the experimental group where a magnetic field is applied, the downward movement of the melting interface is accelerated due to the force of the magnetic field on the Fe3O4 nanoparticle. Under the effect of localized porous filling, the solar conversion efficiency of 1 wt% NEPCM is 31.57 % and the total energy storage is as high as 14.39 kJ. With the increase of concentration, the solar conversion efficiency and total energy storage decrease gradually. However, under the simultaneous effect of magnetic field and localized porous filling, the solar conversion efficiency and energy storage show an opposite trend. From a comprehensive point of view, the application of periodic ultrasound with a power of 40 W can effectively improve the photothermal conversion capacity of the PCM.

Modulating drug retention and release via surface anchors using hyperthermia and photothermal effects of Fe3O4-SiO2 core-shell mesoporous nanoparticles

Core-shell nanocarriers (Fe3O4-MSN-TESPA-PEG/DOX) with a core-shell structure were created as possible materials for controlled drug retention and release. With a notable increase in pore volume and surface area, the 3-(Trimethylsilyl)propionic acid (TESPA) anchors on the pore walls of SiO2 nanoparticles (MSN). The doxorubicin (DOX) is controlled and stored by a network of polyethylene glycol (PEG) layers that cover the MSN pore by TESPA anchor as a result of interactions between the layers and the high density of functional groups at the pore mouth. Rather than the Brownian motion contribution, magnetic hysteresis losses account for the magnetic hyperthermia contribution to the heating efficiency of the investigated core-shell configuration. Fe3O4 NPs' magnetism and capacity for photothermal conversion make its core an appealing choice for photothermal treatment. By appropriately adjusting the following variables, the combination of magnetic field and NIR irradiation can control localized heating: i. NIR irradiation density; ii. magnetic field intensity; iii. time of use; and iv. concentration of Fe3O4-MSN-TESPA-PEG/DOX core-shell solution. This combination is ideal for bioapplications and clinical trials. The two-step NIR irradiation procedure or magnetic field intensity control allows for the rapid delivery of roughly seven times the maximum amount of stored doxorubicin in only 5 min. Fe3O4-MSN-TESPA-PEG nanocarriers with their core-shell structure have great potential as therapeutic agents with controllable drug delivery and targetability.

Lignin valorization to bioplastics with an aromatic hub metabolite-based autoregulation system

Exploring microorganisms with downstream synthetic advantages in lignin valorization is an effective strategy to increase target product diversity and yield. This study ingeniously engineers the non-lignin-degrading bacterium Ralstonia eutropha H16 (also known as Cupriavidus necator H16) to convert lignin, a typically underutilized by-product of biorefinery, into valuable bioplastic polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). The aromatic metabolism capacities of R. eutropha H16 for different lignin-derived aromatics (LDAs) are systematically characterized and complemented by integrating robust functional modules including O-demethylation, aromatic aldehyde metabolism and the mitigation of by-product inhibition. A pivotal discovery is the regulatory element PcaQ, which is highly responsive to the aromatic hub metabolite protocatechuic acid during lignin degradation. Based on the computer-aided design of PcaQ, we develop a hub metabolite-based autoregulation (HMA) system. This system can control the functional genes expression in response to heterologous LDAs and enhance metabolism efficiency. Multi-module genome integration and directed evolution further fortify the strain’s stability and lignin conversion capacities, leading to PHB production titer of 2.38 g/L using heterologous LDAs as sole carbon source. This work not only marks a leap in bioplastic production from lignin components but also provides a strategy to redesign the non-LDAs-degrading microbes for efficient lignin valorization.

Experimental and numerical investigation of a double spiral tube heat exchanger in a novel composite phase change material

Phase change energy storage technology effectively harnesses energy, and phase change materials have been garnered significant attention due to their high latent heat capacity. The heat transfer capacity and phase transition of HCNT−CH3COONa·3H2O/Na2HPO4·12H2O composites in a double spiral tube heat storage unit were investigated. The effects of different flow rates and temperatures on the heat transfer characteristics of phase change materials were studied, and the thermal performance of the storage units was evaluated by calculating the power, energy and energy efficiency ratios. The phase change process of the composite during heat transfer was further revealed via simulation, and the heat storage and heat release of the composite were compared with those of other phase change materials. The results show that the effects of the flow velocity on the transformation time and power of the phase change material are negligible. However, an increase in flow rate can significantly increase the heat storage and heat release of the phase change unit. In particular, when the flow rate is 4 LPM, the energy efficiency ratio can reach 76.6 %. When the temperature increases from 80 °C to 90 °C, the melting time decreases by 30.23 %, indicating that increasing the temperature has a significant effect on the phase transition process. Through simulation calculations, the composite phase change material shows significant performance advantages under the same working conditions; its heat storage capacity is 108 % greater than that of the other materials, and the heat release capacity is 206 % greater, which indicates that it has greater energy storage and release efficiency and a better thermal energy conversion capacity. In addition, the experimental and simulation results also reveal the existence of a diagonal region of slow phase transition in the heat storage unit. In summary, this paper analyses the heat transfer performance of a double spiral tube heat storage device, provides a theoretical basis for practical application, and provides an important reference for improving the performance of a phase–change energy storage system.

Dual-functional boron nitride boosts photothermal conversion performance and thermal conductivity of wood-inspired cellulose-based phase change materials for infrared stealth and personal thermal management

Phase change materials (PCMs) can absorb heat energy from the sunlight and release thermal energy to keep the thermal comfort of humans in harsh cold environments. However, the leakage problem, low photothermal conversion performance, and poor thermal conductivity limit their practical applications. Herein, a wood structure-inspired porous cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) aerogel was used to relieve the leakage problem of lauryl alcohol PCM. A novel boron nitride (BN)/silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) complex was fabricated by using gallic acid as a green reduction agent and used to enhance photothermal conversion performance and thermal conductivity of CNFs/lauryl alcohol composite. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and unique heat transfer paths of BN/Ag complex endow the resulting CNFs-based PCM with extraordinary photothermal conversion capacity (surface temperature of 58.2 ℃ under 1 kW m−2) and higher thermal conductivity. Combined with the high phase change enthalpy (172.90 J g−1), the resulting CNFs-based PCM showed potential applications in infrared stealth and personal thermal management fields. This work will open up a new avenue for fabricating a novel photothermal BN/Ag complex and provide a new idea for developing a multifunctional CNFs-based PCM for multi-scenario applications.

An Experimental Investigation on Synthesis, Characterization, and Photothermal Conversion Efficiency of Stable Aqueous Nanofluids Containing Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for Direct Absorption Solar Collectors

The nanofluids are the potential substitute in solar collectors as working fluids for better photothermal conversion efficiency. The present investigation focuses on the development of aqueous‐based nanofluids comprising multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with and without surfactants to enhance the capacity of photothermal conversion in direct absorption solar collectors. To improve the stability of the nanofluid, the gum Arabic (GA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are used as the surfactants. The stable nanofluid was characterized using UV‐visible spectroscopy, zeta potential, fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The results indicated that the thermal conductivity was enhanced by 94.57% and 91.19% for the MWCNT/GA/deionized (DI) water and MWCNTs/PVA/DI water based nanofluids in presence of surfactants at 90 °C and 0.02 wt%. The presence of surfactant in MWCNTs/DI water nanofluids exhibit excellent stability and enhanced MWCNTs dispersion. In the photothermal response analysis, the highest temperature of 62.8 °C, which is 16 °C higher than the base fluid, is obtained from 0.02wt% MWCNT/GA nanofluid. The highest efficiency of 27.94% is recorded when 0.02wt% MWCNT/GA nanofluid is used, which shows 71.24% enhancement as compared to the DI water after exposure of 30 minutes under solar irradiation. The use of MWCNTs/GA nanofluid as light‐absorbing working fluids in solar collectors is encouraged in the present investigation.